Savory Sausage & Macaroni Crouton Bake
Satisfy your hunger with this hearty Savory Sausage & Macaroni Crouton Bake, perfect for meal prepping and convenient weeknight dinners. Featuring fully cooked smoked link sausage, creamy cheddar cheese soup, tender peas, and elbow macaroni, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Portion them into individual servings for quick thaw-and-bake meals, or combine them into one large casserole for family gatherings. With crispy croutons adding a delightful crunch, this dish is sure to become a freezer favorite!
N/A
Servings
363
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fully cooked smoked link sausage
12 ounces (sliced)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (none)
condensed cheddar cheese soup
11 ounces (none)
frozen peas
1 cup (none)
elbow macaroni
1/2 cup (cooked and drained)
minced dried onion
1 tablespoon (none)
dried sage
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
butter
4 teaspoons (melted)
onion and garlic croutons
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced sausage, cheddar cheese soup, frozen peas, cooked elbow macaroni, minced dried onion, and crushed sage. Pour in the flour-milk mixture and stir until combined.
3
Divide the mixture evenly into four 10-ounce casseroles. Cover each with a lid or plastic wrap, label them, and place in the freezer for later use.
4
When ready to bake a frozen casserole, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the cover and place the casserole in the oven, baking it uncovered for approximately 45 minutes.
5
For added crunch, melt 1 teaspoon of butter and toss it with 1/4 cup of croutons. After the casserole has baked for 45 minutes, sprinkle the buttered croutons around the edge.
6
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. If using an unfrozen casserole, bake for about 30 minutes until heated through and the croutons are golden.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
33g
Carbs
19g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sausage & Macaroni Crouton Bake?
It is a hearty, freezer-friendly casserole featuring smoked sausage, cheddar cheese soup, peas, and macaroni, topped with crunchy croutons.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of fully cooked smoked link sausage, sliced.
How do I prepare the flour and milk mixture?
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of milk until the mixture is smooth.
What kind of soup provides the base for the sauce?
An 11-ounce can of condensed cheddar cheese soup is used to create the creamy sauce.
Do the peas need to be thawed before mixing?
No, the recipe uses 1 cup of frozen peas directly in the mixture.
Should the elbow macaroni be cooked before adding it to the bake?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of elbow macaroni that has been previously cooked and drained.
What seasonings are used in this sausage bake?
The dish is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of minced dried onion and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried sage.
How many individual casseroles does this recipe make?
The mixture is divided evenly into four 10-ounce casseroles.
How should I prepare the casseroles for freezing?
Cover each 10-ounce casserole with a lid or plastic wrap, label them, and place them in the freezer.
What is the baking temperature for a frozen casserole?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) when ready to bake from frozen.
How long does it take to bake the casserole from a frozen state?
Bake the frozen casserole uncovered for approximately 45 minutes before adding the crouton topping.
How do I make the crouton topping?
Melt 1 teaspoon of butter and toss it with 1/4 cup of onion and garlic croutons for each individual serving.
When should I add the buttered croutons?
Sprinkle the buttered croutons around the edge of the casserole after it has baked for 45 minutes.
Does the oven temperature change after adding the croutons?
Yes, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Can I bake this dish if it hasn't been frozen?
Yes, for an unfrozen casserole, bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until heated through and the croutons are golden.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 363 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 19 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 19 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the Savory Sausage & Macaroni Crouton Bake?
One serving contains 33 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What flavor of croutons is suggested?
The recipe suggests using onion and garlic croutons for the best flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made as one large meal?
Yes, while designed for individual portions, you can combine the ingredients into one large casserole for family gatherings.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed for portioning into individual thaw-and-bake meals.
What is the total count of ingredients needed?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?
The instructions specify baking the casserole uncovered for the best results.
What tools are needed for the initial mixing?
You will need a small bowl for the flour-milk whisking and a large mixing bowl for the main ingredients.
What makes the croutons stay crispy?
Tossing them in melted butter and adding them only for the final few minutes of baking ensures they stay crunchy.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no specific sugar content for this savory dish.
What is the preparation style for the sausage?
The sausage should be sliced before being combined with the other ingredients.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, meal prep, freezer friendly, one dish meal, and comfort food.